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May 4, 2009

Virtue Baby Names

updated October 2015

The early settlers of the US chose some interesting and beautiful names for their children. Wanting to break away from typical English saint's names but also proudly pass on their beliefs, virtue names were the perfect way for the Puritans to express themselves.

These days, their choices are inspiring parents because of the sweet, comforting words and connotations. But virtue names are getting a modern makeover, away from the likes of Abstinence, Consider, Do-Good, and Sin-Deny and into the territory of uplifting names with endearing qualities. These are the names that speak to the best of human nature, and they are easy to love!

Below are names listed with rank following if the name is in the U.S. top 1,000 names. Virtue names tend to swing "pink," but several are perfect for boys. Enjoy!

My 5th great grandmother was named experience, and her sister was named Freelove. I've seen a record of Freelove being nicknamed "Lovey" and have often wondered and hoped that Experience had an equally approachable nickname!